SXSW London got us thinking. Can corporations really step in where geopolitics falls short?
This year’s festival was a dynamic space for exploring trends like agentic AI and community-driven brands, but one theme stood out: “Business with conscience: As geopolitics falter, businesses find their conscience.”
The official report paints an optimistic state in which corporations step in to take on responsibilities that geopolitics can’t. “In times of institutional distrust and complexity, doing the right thing is no longer idealistic – it’s essential.”
It’s a strong vision – but the signals we’re tracking every day tell a more complex story.
We’re tracking evolving signals to determine where companies currently stand when it comes to leading with conscience:
• Off-track targets + loud, vague disclosures → Performative state
• Real progress with minimal comms → Cautious state
• Purpose integrated into core ops → Committed state
Today, most large companies sit in a “Cautious" state evidenced by reduced public climate communications and rising policy rollbacks, often driven by legal, political and reputational risk.
What would indicate a shift toward a “Business with Conscience” world?
• Policy reinforcement with real enforcement capacity
• Targets met across sectors, independently assured
• Public trust and coalitions backing business co-leadership
If you’re serious about navigating global issues with confidence, we track more than 30 signals and indicators, from corporate governance and geopolitics to public and industry sentiment (and action) on sustainability and social issues.